Sometimes, workplace social events feel like a chore. Management may not want to "waste" time sponsoring fun during the workday, and not all employees are thrilled about spending their free time on the weekend at the company picnic. However, that social time among staff can boost productivity and increase morale and quality of life at work. Here is why you should encourage social events at your workplace.

As government spending gets slashed post-sequester, publicly funded social science research has been put on the defensive by conservative lawmakers. Do we need taxpayer-funded projects on National Geographic animal photography, women's labor and economic performance in China and the Asian dairy industry? Inquiring minds want to know how important those are to our national interest.